A whirlwind jaunt to Paris with Hermès, you say? Mais oui, count me in – bien sûr! The City of Lights is one of my all-time favourites at best, but throw in being hosted by Hermès, an interview with their formidable in-house perfumer, Jean-Claude Ellena, and a mystical launch party and dinner for their new fragrance, Le Jardin de Monsieur Li, and it became very special indeed. Here’s my Instagram diary of the trip…

DAY ONE

Hermes perfume trip - Paris

Hermes perfume trip - Paris

DXB >>> CDG. Incidentally, you should really watch Chef – the perfect in-flight movie with the jauntiest soundtrack of all time.

Hermes perfume trip - Paris

I arrive at the Prince de Galles Hotel on Avenue George V to goodies on the bed. No rest for the wicked, though – it’s off for a personal tour of the Hermès flagship store on Rue du Faubourg, including a poke around the invite-only Hermès museum at the very top. Overflowing with artifacts collected by the family over the years, it’s a curiosity shop of Samurai saddles and sold silver tea sets, presided over by the Head of Heritage – a lady whose style and grace was only overtaken by her encyclopaedic knowledge of every single piece. In the corner sat Émile Hermès’ original desk, above it the painting of a horse and cart which formed the house’s logo to begin with.

Hermes perfume trip - Paris Hermes perfume trip - Paris Hermes perfume trip - Paris

I made it my business to try on all the jewellery, a thrill to say the least. My favourite? This diamond-encrusted incarnation of my dream watch – the punk-tinged Medor, where the clock face is hidden behind a cabochon. So many of the jewellery pieces take inspiration in some way from the equestrian heritage of the brand – a horsebit here, a hoof motif there – but all incorporated in truly unique, subtle ways.

Hermes perfume trip - Paris

It was soon time for the press launch, held at the impressive, red-lit Pagoda Loo in the 8th. Once belonging to the antiquarian Ching-Tsai Loo, it was built in 1926 and was the perfect setting for our impending journey through China. Each floor revealed a different installation – from living walls embedded with the fragrance, to ancient Chinese instruments being played in a room wallpapered with calligraphy and musical scores.

Hermes perfume trip - Paris Hermes perfume trip - Paris Hermes perfume trip - Paris Hermes perfume trip - Paris

Live Bonsai-tree cutting on the balcony.

Hermes perfume trip - Paris

A delicious dinner where Pierre-Alexis Dumas, artistic director of the company (and also Thierry Hermès’ great-great-great grandson) gave a speech.

DAY TWO

Hermes perfume trip - Paris

There was just enough time before I interviewed Jean-Claude Ellena, perfumer extraordinaire, for a coffee in bed surrounded by orange bags. Happiness, squared.

Hermes perfume trip - Paris

As much of a poet as a perfumer, the wonderful Jean-Claude and I after our chat.

Hermes perfume trip - Paris

A quick croissant in the hotel’s marble-decked breakfast room before jumping in the car and heading back. Short, but very sweet.